Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashlee Williss.
Hi Ashlee, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started my career in music as a singer-songwriter when I was 15. I dedicated everything to pursuing that dream—writing and recording music, performing, and working toward getting my big break. I had some incredible experiences along the way, including singing and recording with legendary artists, having my music placed in TV and film, and being named one of Guitar Center’s “Nation’s Top 10 Singer-Songwriters.” But despite all of those milestones, I never quite felt like my career was taking off in the way I had envisioned.
In 2013, I decided to take control of my career and release an album independently. Unfortunately, on the day of my first single’s release party, my boyfriend tragically passed away. It completely changed my life, and I stepped away from music for a while.
During that time of stepping back and rediscovering myself, I fell in love with DJing. It brought my spirit back to life in a way I hadn’t expected. I realized that all of those years I had spent studying music, performing, understanding audiences, and developing my own sound had actually been preparing me for something completely different.
At the time, there were very few female DJs, and almost nobody was incorporating country music into DJ sets. That combination became my niche. I started getting opportunities to play clubs, festivals, private events and eventually major events around the world. What began as something I discovered during a difficult chapter of my life grew into a full-time career.
Today, I perform as DJ Bad Ash, creating open-format sets that can blend country, rock, pop, hip-hop, EDM and live vocals. I’ve had the opportunity to play everything from intimate private events to major festivals and celebrity gatherings around the world.
Looking back, I think the biggest lesson has been that sometimes the path you think you’re supposed to take isn’t necessarily the path that’s meant for you. DJing wasn’t part of my original plan at all—but it ultimately allowed me to bring together everything I had learned as a musician and performer in a completely new way.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not. It’s been one of the hardest industries I can imagine trying to build a career in. I’ve experienced the darker side of entertainment firsthand—people making inappropriate advances, rejection, empty promises, and feeling like talent wasn’t enough.
I did my best to stay strong, work hard, and never compromise who I was just to get ahead. Ultimately, the dream I originally had didn’t happen. I came very close so many times but instead, my dream evolved into something completely different. And that’s ok, life takes unexpected turns and as we grow, so do our dreams.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m an open-format DJ and live performer, known for creating completely customized music experiences and blending everything from country and rock to pop, hip-hop and EDM. I’m also known for incorporating live vocals into my DJ sets.
I’ve been fortunate to DJ and perform alongside countless celebrities and at some incredible events—from Prince Harry and Oprah to Snoop Dogg and major festivals around the world.
What I’m most proud of is creating a career that combines all of my musical backgrounds. I’m not just a DJ playing songs—I’m a musician and performer who knows how to read a room, connect with a crowd and turn music into an experience. That’s what I think truly sets me apart.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is to pay attention to where things flow. Becoming a DJ was never something I planned—it happened almost by accident. But people responded to it, opportunities started coming my way, and my career took off very naturally.
I’ve learned that sometimes the best things happen when you stop trying to force a specific outcome and stay open to where life is taking you. My path looks very different than I imagined when I started, but I’m incredibly grateful for where it’s led me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.DJBadAsh.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djbadash
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DJBadAshOfficial/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9mpmcgo8ES6mI-ladU97MA
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dj-bad-ash-los-angeles-2
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/djbadash
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/ashleewilliss
